# data[].attributes.body
In order to create an early childhood program that are inclusive, staff believe in inclusion and follow policies that promote inclusion. Having leadership staff that support and demonstrate inclusion is another way to improve the childcare environment.

"High quality inclusive ECEC programs have three key components: they are accessible to all children and their families; they are designed and carried out with consideration for the unique needs of each child; and they include ongoing evaluation of programs to ensure full participation." (Ontario Ministry, 2013).

# data[].attributes.body
It is a transformative process for early childhood settings. This process ensures "all children's needs are being met and children with special needs are fully accepted in the program and fully participating" (ONgov, 2014).

People who have positive experiences when providing an inclusive environment and seeing the impact and changes it makes in the children, families, and staff, it transforms them.

Doing so makes individuals more committed to inclusion as a value in the childcare settings and contributes to developing skills at working with a broader range of children and families.

If the childcare setting is a high quality program, it is an inclusive program/environment.

# data[].attributes.body
"Attitudes also have to be nurtured and supported. So, that's where the role of the director comes in, or the role of the supervisor." (Ongov, 2014).

The directors crucial role in the early learning environment is:
- Establishing the capacity of the early childhood educators in order to work together effectively.
- To deal with any challenges that may arise
- To learn continuously as they grow from their experiences while working with children and families.

Directors are the leaders in early childhood education and set a value stance that the program will be inclusive. "They martial the resources together both within the Centre and to the Centre" (ONgov, 2014). They work with staff in order to determine how staff is going to work together effectively as a team and figure out how they are going to develop skills and knowledge in the centre or if they have to bring it in.

At each centre, Directors communicate with one another to mentor and share ideas and experiences.

# data[].attributes.body
The environment greatly impacts all children as they get a chance to interact and communicate with their peers. It provides opportunities for children to play with materials in different areas (block centre, kitchen centre, art centre, outside/inside environment) that are based on their interests, they are able to engage in individual or small-group activities, children get a chance to listen to music, sing songs, or dance.

Impacts on children and families stem from the environment as it creates an inclusive, safe atmosphere where children, families, and educators feel welcome as well as supported. As children learn by watching and listening, they are included in their environment and parents feel included in their child's development.

Overall, the environment supports the different needs of each child throughout their day and provides countless opportunities for them to expand their learning/development.

# data[].attributes.body
"Inclusion is not static." (ONgov, 2014).

Effective inclusion leads to positive momentum as one good thing can lead to another good thing as it continues in the lives of children and families. The better the experience the child has, the more positive momentum will be picked up. Inclusion leads to a more active environment for all children.

With inclusion, children become more comfortable in their environment and are more committed in including others. Children further develop their previous and new skills and begin to work as a team. You will begin to see more positive interactions between children and adults as respect for one another observed in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
What are some ways you will make your classroom environment inclusive with all children?

What are some strategies you will use in your classroom/curriculum?

# data[].attributes.body
Inclusion relates to belonging in the How Does Learning Happen. "Belonging refers to the connectedness to others, an individual's experiences of being valued, of forming relationships with others and making contributions as part of a group, community, the natural world." (Ontario Ministry, 2014).

In the early learning environment, inclusion and belonging go hand in hand to create an atmosphere where children feel welcome, comfortable, and safe to be who they. This inclusive and belonging environment will give children confidence to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas amongst their peers and educators.

# data[].attributes.body
BohatALA. (n.d.). [Photograph]. Leadership Qualities in Business Management.

https://bohatala.com/leadership-qualities-in-business-management/

Hunter, C., Price-Robertson, R. (2012).

Family structure and child maltreatment. [Photograph]. Child Family Community Australia.

https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/family-structure-and-child-maltreatment-do-some-family-types-place-children

Inclusionclassrooms. (2018). Inclusion Classroom Advice. [Photograph]. Inclusion Classroom Advice.
https://www.facebook.com/Inclusionclassrooms/photos/a.193423404647024/193423571313674/?type=3&theaterv

Licensed Child Care Network. (n.d.). Resources. [Photograph]. Think, Feel, Act.
http://www.lccn.ca/resources/ministry-of-education/resources/

Marylandexcels. (2017). [Photograph]. Tips! Developing an inclusion policy to welcome all children into a program.

https://marylandexcels.org/tips-developing-inclusion-policy-welcome-children-program/

ONgov. (2014, December 23). Inclusive Early Years Programs - Benefits for Children with Special Needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDqHrYyyZa4

ONgov. (2014, December 23). Inclusive Early Years Programs – Establishing an Environment that Works for All Children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhykfe8CVGY

ONgov. (2014, December 23). Inclusive Early Years Programs - Impacts on Children and Families.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg1I-Pun6mM&feature=youtu.be

ONgov. (2014, December 23).  Inclusive Early Years Programs – The Role of Leaders

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQdrpKMUuSQ

Ontario Ministry. (2014). How Does Learning Happen?.
https://files.ontario.ca/edu-how-does-learning-happen-en-2021-03-23.pdf

Ontario Ministry. (2013). Think, Feel, Act.
https://files.ontario.ca/edu-think-feel-act-lessons-from-research-about-young-children-en-2021-01-29.pdf

Schneider, J. (2019). How to Create an Inclusive Classroom. [Photograph]. Steam Powered Family.
https://www.steampoweredfamily.com/education/create-an-inclusive-classroom/

Spreeuwenberg, R. (2015). How Does Learning Happen? [Photograph). Early Childhood Education Blog.
https://www.himama.com/blog/how-does-learning-happen-ontario-pedagogy-early-years/

Stephenson, B. (2020). How to Fix the Unknown Message Not Found Error on iPhone. [Photograph]. Lifewire Tech for Humans.
https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-fix-unknown-message-not-found-error-iphone-4799059

# data[].attributes.body
Creating an inclusive and belonging environment is crucial for every child's development. Teaching children the importance of inclusion can set in motion the positive momentum to create a belonging environment that supports all their individual needs.